Drink Wed Sep 30 2009
Three Chicago breweries medalled at this year's Great American Beer Festival, a prestigious annual event and competition held in Denver that's sponsored by the Brewers Association.
Goose Island took home three silver medals: Red Woody took the honors in the Wood- and Barrel-Aged Beer category; its IPA placed in the English-Style India Pale Ale category; and Demolition earned its silver in the Belgian and French-Style Ale category.
Piece Brewery won a gold and a bronze this year. Its Top Heavy Hefeweizen won the South German Style Hefeweizen category, and Fornicator placed third in the Bock category.
Last year's winner for Large Brewpub of the Year, Rock Bottom's Chicago outlet added another two medals to their stash of awards. The Crow and The Sparrow placed second in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category, and Drunken Angel won a bronze in the Specialty Beer category.
— Jill Jaracz
Drink Wed Sep 30 2009
Whether you support the Olympic bid or not, I think one thing we can all agree on is the deliciousness of Dunkin Donuts coffee. Luckily for us, regardless of the Chicago 2016 outcome, Dunkin' Donuts will toast us all with a free medium coffee all day, Monday, Oct. 5.
The free coffee is Dunkin' Donuts' way of saying thank you to Chicago for all the hard work in showcasing our city. The free coffee is available all day, Oct. 5, at all of the nearly 500 Dunkin' Donuts locations in Chicago and suburbs. No purchase necessary and limit one per customer.
Thank you, Dunkin' Donuts, for letting us all be winners.
— Kaitlin Olson /
This week I would like to introduce Mara who writes the blog "What's for Dinner?"
What brought you to Chicago?
I was born and raised in Skokie, IL, and with the exception of the 5 years I lived in Peoria for college, I've stayed in the general area. I lived in 3 very different neighborhoods in the city over the course of 4 years, and now live out in the NW Suburbs.
What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I'm a middle school Spanish teacher, so much of my time is spent planning/grading, but other hobbies besides cooking and blogging include crocheting, photography (of things besides just food) and, my fiancé's least favorite hobby: shoe shopping.
Continue reading this entry »
— Whitney Merritt /
Your home, that is. The venerable Chicago-based steakhouse chain has launched a mail-order business in partnership with Allen Brothers, their longtime meat supplier. They offer the same steaks, burgers, seafood and other meats as are served in the restaurant -- as well as the trademark pewter pig lamp -- so now you can order a pack of filets for that client without having to call Omaha.
— Andrew Huff /
Half Acre Beer, a local craft brewery located at 4257 N. Lincoln recently announced that after a long permit process that its store located at the brewery will open October 5th.
To quote "In Your Guts," the Half Acre Blog...
The Half Acre store is not a bar and will not serve food. We will sell our beer to-go and the beer & spirits of brewers and distillers we want to support. We will have six draft lines that will allow for sampling and the purchase of growlers (1/2 gallon jugs) to-go. We'll also have a soda that we've made on draft as much as time allows. You can buy our beer in 6packs, 22oz bottles, growlers, 1/2bbl kegs and 1/6th bbl kegs. We'll also sell Half Acre merchandise to outfit your entire neighborhood. Enjoying what we do very much and doing our best to continually offer new / different beer, we will have things available here that might not be available at other locations. Not everything we brew lands in bars, stores and restaurants - it's time consuming and expensive to develop visual identities and distribution paths. The store will allow us to share some of the things that usually don't make it out of the brewery. Basically, the store will grant us some flexibility to readily offer you Half Acre Beer in as many forms possible in the freshest state imaginable."
As a fan of Half Acre's Over Ale and Daisy Cutter, I am quite excited by this recent development. They will also begin to offer formal tours Fridays at 5pm and add Saturdays in the next few months.
— Whitney Merritt /
Blind Faith Cafe (525 Dempster, Evanston) has been providing a vegetarian option to the North Shore since 1979! To celebrate 30 years of providing alternative dining, Blind Faith will provide a delicious meal and let the customer name the price!
From tomorrow, Oct. 1 until Saturday, Oct. 3, customers can enjoy an entree and choose to pay what they want. In addition, during this celebration, Blind Faith Cafe will be hosting a drawing for a complimentary dinner for four. Call the cafe at 847-328-6875 for more information.
— Cliff Etters /
The Publican has garnered much acclaim for its minimalist, meat-centric fare. And this approach to dining certainly doesn't stop at dinner. Sunday brunch at the Publican is all about meat: pork, chicken and fish (but mostly pork, like the bacon at left) are featured in almost every dish.
Continue reading this entry »
— Dana Currier /
Event Mon Sep 28 2009
On Sunday, October 11th the Andersonville Development Corporation is hosting its 4th Annual Dessert Crawl. Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl Passport at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark) and will be allowed to sample tasting portions at over two dozen participating restaurants. Participating restaurants include: Ann Sather, Big Jones, Fireside, La Cocina de Frida and many more. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 online for each of the routes (decide between sweet or savory) or $40 for both. For more information call 773-728-7552.
— Whitney Merritt
A sea of white tents garnished with small purple flags were offset by the curved beams and metal sheets of Frank Gehry's structure at the Pritzker Pavilion, infusing the atmosphere of the event with the essence of Medieval Times meets "Star Trek: Next Generation." From my station under the Green City Market tent, my fellow volunteers and I dispensed sample-sized servings of gazpacho made from locally grown ingredients and encouraged patrons to bid on silent auction items whose proceeds will benefit the market, a 10-year-old institution that promotes local and sustainable farmers and producers.
Continue reading this entry »
— J.H. Palmer
When I first heard about Taste of Chicago many years ago, I envisioned it as big block party where you could just meander from fancy restaurant to restaurant and sample their best dishes. Probably on tiny forks. And that it would all be free. Obviously, neither the real Taste or its younger, more upscale cousin Chicago Gourmet quite achieve that dream. But in its second year, Chicago Gourmet seems to better evoke the feeling of that festival in my head than the Taste has ever managed. With an improved lay-out and better selection of food (even though drink was still more heavily represented), the Pritzker Pavilion was transformed into an open pasture for gourmet grazing, from the tone set by the complimentary wine glass at the door to the security check for pilfered booze on the way out.
More thoughts on this year's event after the jump.
Continue reading this entry »
— Andie Cavedo /
Event Mon Sep 28 2009
The new season of Chicago Public Radio Presents kicked off Saturday night at Catalyst Ranch, a roomy, eclectic space on Randolph filled with 50's collectible kitsch and decorations from as far away as Haiti, Thailand, and Pier 1 Imports. This month's event featured Chef Jill Barron of Mana Food Bar, Chef Ben Sheagren of Hopleaf, and Chef Jared Van Camp of Old Town Social.
Hosting the event was Studio 312's Jimmy Carrane, whose running commentary kept the evening moving at a fast pace. Goose Island Brewery is sponsoring this year's series, and their 2009 Matilda was used by each of the three competing chefs; if this had been an episode of Iron Chef it would have been the "theme ingredient."
Continue reading this entry »
— J.H. Palmer
Feature Sun Sep 27 2009
If you've ever been to a wedding, graduation, or an awkward send-off for a coworker, a cake was likely involved. The symbol of celebration sits in the center of the party for all to admire -- and when I say that, I don't mean the expectant mother or happy new couple -- I mean the lump of cake covered in frosting. Sometimes the writing on it spells out a polite, measured phrase of goodwill, or a mention of a weary inside joke among friends. Either way, the cake makes the event. And if it's tacky, in poor taste, or -- even better -- incorrectly spells a name or leaves off a word or two, your guests will remember. And pull out their camera.
Continue reading this entry »
— Robyn Nisi /
It's too small to cost $4.39. That's what a friend told me about Upton's Naturals' breakfast sandwich. And that's exactly what I told Dan Staackmann, the co-owner of Upton's. We happened to be hanging out when he asked me for honest product feedback. Then he told me to check the stores that Friday, and the sandwich would be bigger. Was he kidding? No, he told me. That was about two weeks ago.
The sandwich is now quite significantly thicker -- all three layers, including two patties of sausage-style seitan and one of egg-styled tofu with a chipotle Vegenaise sauce. You'll find the breakfast sandwich -- along with other ready to eat items from Upton's and other vegan vendors - from my friends at Green Grocer as well as at Whole Foods South Loop, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and River Forest. Another improvement: a new English muffin on the breakfast sandwich avoids high fructose corn syrup. You can also make your own at home, with a tip Dan told me on forming Upton's seitan into patties.
— Chris Brunn /
Itinerant chefs, caterers and small businesses looking for space to test out new food concepts have multiple of options in Chicago.
Kitchen Chicago has been around for years, but they moved into a new space at 324 N. Leavitt Ave. about a month ago that is both more functional for chefs and more versatile as an event space. Their new kitchen includes two full cookspaces -- one oriented toward pastries -- as well as a climate-controlled chocolate room; there are plans to possibly add a demo kitchen for small cooking classes. Through two sets of double doors is a soaring event space: the building was once a foundry, and this huge room is the upper half of what was once flyspace for massive cauldrons of molten iron. Kitchen Chicago have kept the industrial chic look but finished it with hardwood floors, large cylinder lights and several big, rough-hewn wood tables. There's a loft space at one end that's bigger than many apartments. The room has already been used by Chef Stephanie Izard from one of her Drunken Goat dinners.
Logan Square Kitchen is new on the scene and also offers a private event space and a shared commercial kitchen, both in a small storefront at 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. The business is dedicated to environmental, economic and social sustainability -- you can ask them what that means in practical terms at their open house this weekend, 10am to 3pm both Saturday and Sunday.
Up in Evanston, Now We're Cookin' offers a shared kitchen for professionals -- as well as a demo space that's been used by Grant Achatz among others. And Splice Kitchen plans to open a 24-hour professional kitchen in the West Loop sometime this year. According to Time Out Chicago, Washburn Culinary Institute runs an incubator kitchen in its South Side campus.
— Andrew Huff
Recipe Fri Sep 25 2009
Now that the apples are starting to crowd out the peaches at many of Chicago's farmers markets, you may soon find yourself with a crisper drawer full of the red, green or yellow fruit. There are many delicious baked goods that feature apples, but one of the simplest and most satisfying things you can do with your bounty is make applesauce.
Continue reading this entry »
— Dana Currier /
Event Thu Sep 24 2009
For its Fourth Annual Author Event, the Women's Board of the Chicago Regional Office of the American Cancer Society, has delved into the world of food by presenting an evening with celebrated Chicago pastry chef and Food Network star Gale Gand. Gand will be demonstrating from and signing her latest book Gale Gand's Brunch! at a special event on October 28.
The event will take place at Macy's Narcissus Room (111 S. State St., 7th floor) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and book signing. At 6:30 Gand will conduct a demonstration and tasting in Macy's Culinary Studio.
Tickets for the event cost $95, with a limit of 150 guests. For more information or to make reservations contact Dawn.Kobel@cancer.org, or call at 312-279-7264
— Jill Jaracz
News Thu Sep 24 2009
— Robyn Nisi
This week, I have to pleasure of introducing one of my favorite Chicagoland food bloggers, Tim from Lottie + Doof.
What brought you to Chicago?
Birth. I was born near 59th and Kedvale and have spent most of my life in the city. I went to DePaul's Theatre School as an undergrad and Northwestern for grad school so I have lots of ties to the city.
What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I work at a university during the day but my free time I spend with friends eating good food and enjoying the city. I like antiques and we recently bought our first place so we are spending a lot of time searching for things for our home.
Continue reading this entry »
— Whitney Merritt /
Random Tue Sep 22 2009
In most of the United States, not far at all. The image above is a map of all 13,000 McDonald's restaurants, with color indicating distance to the nearest Golden Arches. Unsurprisingly, The area around Chicago is particularly bright; if you zoomed in on Chicagoland, the dots stay pretty damn dense:
View Larger Map
Where's the spot farthest from a McDonald's? Glad Valley, SD, at 145 miles by car.
UPDATE: Stephen Von Worley, the creator of the McDonald's map, has produced a follow-up focusing on the Midwest (really, more like the Great Lakes region). Fun fact: there are 424 McDonald's within 50 miles of the Sears Tower!
— Andrew Huff
News Tue Sep 22 2009
It might not be food-related per se, but just thought you'd like to know: the FDA announced a ban effective today on cigarettes flavored with clove, fruit or candy, with FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg stating that "flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become regular smokers."
— Robyn Nisi
Drink Tue Sep 22 2009
Although whisky and whiskey fans may not get a catchy tune like the po-ta-to/po-tah-to people, they do have a chance to debate the proper spelling tomorrow night at The Great Whisk(e)y Debate. This free event (for ages 21+) features whisk(e)y professors from Canadian Club, Knob Creek, and Laphroig who will talk about the merits of each of their whiskies during this interactive (i.e.--tasting) event. Even if you're not the biggest whisky buff, I'd recommend going--these are three really good and varied whiskies, and this is a good opportunity to learn about and taste the differences to see what style (or styles) you like best.
It takes place on Wednesday at Faith and Whiskey (1365 W. Fullerton) from 7-9 PM. It's free, but you must RSVP to greatwhiskeydebate@gmail.com or call (773) 248-9119.
— Jill Jaracz
Event Mon Sep 21 2009
You can now purchase your tickets for Baconfest Chicago's Pro Bacon Cookoff at Publican next month. The event features 10 chefs, each cooking one bacon-filled dish, each paired with a beer by Chef Paul Kahan and Beverage Director Michael McAvena. Attendees will also receive a bacon gift bag, and a portion of the $75 ticket price goes to charity.
The event will be held from noon to 2pm Oct. 24 The Publican, 837 W. Fulton Market. Baconfest itself is still on, but is postponed until April... something. Stay tuned for more details about that.
— Andrew Huff
Chef Mon Sep 21 2009
Mayor Daley has officially proclaimed tomorrow to be "Chef Carrie Nahabedian Day" in Chicago. Chef Nahabedian is known for her wonderful food at Naha. She follows Rick Bayless, Jimmy Bannos, and Charlie Trotter in being inducted into the Chefs Hall of Fame by the Chicago Culinary Museum.
The induction will take place at the Union League Club of Chicago tomorrow night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $175. This is the annual fundraiser for the Chicago Culinary Musuem.
— Whitney Merritt
Bar Mon Sep 21 2009
Start the week out right with free oysters and beer at Cole's Bar in Logan Square from 8 to 10 pm this evening, Monday, September 21st. Sample raw oysters and Old #38 stout (pints are $3) courtesy of North Coast Brewing and the Plitt Company while enjoying a free show by The Thin Man.
Cole's Bar
2338 N. Milwaukee Ave
773-276-5802
— Gemma Petrie
Event Mon Sep 21 2009
A few weeks ago, I made it over the Chicago Luxury Ice Cream festival. Normally I reserve the word for luxury when it involves Donald Trump and fur rugs, and it seems odd to think of luxurious ice cream, but whatever it was, it was great. The event has plans to return next year as a multi-day event. A range of local and regional ice cream makers, among them Black Dog Gelato (pictured) and Nice Cream (excellent stuff) served up flavors like red pepper, chocolate sheep's milk, and blackberry pie (not together, ech) and to the hundreds of attendees. The lines were long, but spirits and glucose levels were high. Just where they should always be.
— Robyn Nisi
Book Sun Sep 20 2009
I know that none of us are ready to think about winter. But if you liked last year's Soup and Bread events at The Hideout then you'll be happy to know that Martha Bayne is planning on organizing Great Chicago Food Depository fundraisers again for this upcoming winter. But if you remember any of the soups from last year, you may be happy to know that you have the ability to get the recipe for every soup created in a cookbook. To help make sure this project happens, and that it even raises money they've started a Kickstarter program to cover printing costs. Make a donation and get a copy of the book designed by Sheila Sachs, former art director for the Chicago Reader, and illustrated by Paul Dolan with a custom letterpress cover. You won't be sorry, or hungry.
— Cinnamon Cooper
A reservation at Terzo Piano is still hard to come by, even though the restaurant has been open since May. The bright, airy restaurant in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute is only open for lunch most days (except for Thursday, when it's open for dinner until 9 pm.) On a recent Wednesday afternoon, most of the lunch crowd was dressed in suits and heels and had most certainly not spent the morning hiking around Millennium Park and the museum like I had. Despite our informal attire, however, the staff was friendly (if somewhat stiff) and the food was full of flavor.
Continue reading this entry »
— Dana Currier /
Feature Fri Sep 18 2009
The weekend before school started, my kids wanted one final summer adventure. So, we loaded up the car and took an overnight trip to Wisconsin, for some camping, biking, and beer and cheese sampling.
Continue reading this entry »
— Lori Barrett /
Event Thu Sep 17 2009
Looking for something to do on Saturday afternoon? Have a friend with celiac disease but want to make her a batch of cookies? You are in luck. This Saturday at 1PM, the Whole Foods at Halsted/Waveland is hosting a free gluten-free cookies baking class. Chef Susan of Cardamon Kitchen is going to demonstrate how to bake chocolate chip and sugar cookies, gluten-free. You need to register in advance to reserve your spot by calling 773-472-0400 or online.
— Whitney Merritt
As you may know, I love cookies--specifically, Highland Park-based Carol's Cookies, which was one of my first posts when I joined the Gapers Block staff two years ago. Since then, I could have sent several children to college on what I've spent on these cookies. Worth it.
To celebrate thirty years in business, Carol's announced a Flavor Contest earlier this summer to give customers and fans an opportunity to create a new cookie to be added to the family. The winner would get a fantastic prize: a trip to Carol's bakery for a two-day baking bender and a year's subscription to her Cookie of the Month club (yowsa!). I jumped at the chance and submitted my own idea of what I thought was missing from Carol's offerings: a S'mores Brownie cookie.
Continue reading this entry »
— Robyn Nisi /
I hope that you have enjoyed the weekly interviews of Chicagoland food bloggers.
Next up, Valerie of Marathon Val, who has recently decided to eat Vegan.
What brought you to Chicago?
I grew up in Valparaiso, IN, which is just across the border from Chicago. I have fond memories of taking Saturday trips into the city to celebrate special occasions and to go holiday shopping. When I met my husband, who is from the Chicago area, it was a given that I would move here to be closer to him since I was already in love with Chicago!
What do you do when you aren't blogging?
Continue reading this entry »
— Whitney Merritt /
Random Wed Sep 16 2009
— Robyn Nisi
Event Tue Sep 15 2009
Any plans for Mexican Independence Day? Head to Pilsen to take part in the second annual Buen Provecho restaurant tour. Over 25 local restaurants, cafes and bakeries will be sharing their favorite dishes as they celebrate the vibrant Pilsen community. Participating restaurants include old favorites like Neuvo Leon, Los Comales and Birreria Reyes de Ocotlan as well as newer additions to the neighborhood like Nightwood, Ristorante al Teatro and Simone's. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation, a a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For a complete list of restaurants and to buy tickets online, visit the ESDC website.
— Gemma Petrie
Random Mon Sep 14 2009
Feeding Illinois, formerly known as the Illinois Food Bank Association, began its hunger awareness campaign, "Snapshot of Hunger," today. According to the organization's Web site, the recession has driven on average 30 percent more people to request food assistance in Illinois during the past year. To help illustrate why so many Illinois families struggle with hunger, Feeding Illinois is asking you to take a photo of $28 worth of groceries and share it with them.
Twenty-eight dollars represents the average amount a family of four with a working parent and another parent who was recently laid off yet still receives unemployment, has to spend on food. After paying for housing, utilities and transportation, this family has approximately $110 left to purchase food for an entire week. This comes out to $28/person/week or $4/person/day.
The challenge runs through Monday, Sept. 21st and aims to help Illinoisans better understand the challenges our neighbors face and to raise awareness and get people to consider making a donation to their local food bank.
You can share your photo by emailing it to snapshot@feedingillinois.org. When emailing, please include your first name and city in the subject line. For updates on the campaign, follow Feeding Illinois on Twitter and use the #ILHUNGER hashtag.
Take the challenge, you'd be surprised what $28 at your local grocery store can get you compared to what a local food bank can gather for the same price.
— Kaitlin Olson
Kids, sharpen up your Craigslist "Missed Connections" writing skills, 'cause Metromix is reporting that the dearly-missed coffee shop/neighborhood signifier Filter is reopening at 1373-75 N. Milwaukee in October. Possibly even more exciting: on-site roasting.
— Leah Williams /
Feature Fri Sep 11 2009
Ryan Poli, the Executive Chef at Perennial Restaurant, is serving his first vegan dish. It's a thick cut of thoroughly marinated local tofu, grilled to a very nice char flavor, and deep grill marks. I sat down with Chef Poli to chat about his inspiration for the dish, how it's prepared, and how it's been received.
Chris Brunn: What inspired you to do the tofu?
Ryan Poli: It was really the product that we saw at the Green City Market from Tiny Greens. We were just cruising by and [they] had a sign up that said organic tofu. It struck a little bit of interest because we're always struggling with a vegetarian dish. We always overcomplicate it with, "just a little bit of butter would be great here. And you know what would be really great? Some bacon." The vegetarian dishes always turn into an awesome scallop dish, or a cool striped bass dish. When we got the tofu back, we marinated it. We tasted it. We thought it was something so special that we started to brainstorm. When the final dish came around, it was a vegan dish and not just a vegetarian dish. We're really proud of it.
Continue reading this entry »
— Chris Brunn /
Event Thu Sep 10 2009
The 7th Annual Old Town Wine Crush is this Saturday and Sunday on Wells between North and Schiller. The Wine Crush features live music, the opportunity to sample over 50 wines from around the world, food vendors and a Grape Stomping Competition. The festival runs from 11AM to 10PM on Saturday, 11AM to 6PM on Sunday and tickets are between $30 and $45 depending on the amount of wine that you want to sample.
— Whitney Merritt
Event Thu Sep 10 2009
If you love food and don't have plans this Sunday, whip up your favorite dish and bring it to LTH Forum's Picnic, which will be going on at Labagh Woods (near Foster and Cicero). Eating begins mid-morning and runs until early evening; please RSVP on the LTH site (and indicate your type of dish). You. Should. Go.
— Robyn Nisi
You may have noticed last week that I introduced you to Food Loves Writing on Friday, but I have decided to move this weekly feature to the middle of the week when you might need a little inspiration or a new distraction in the work week.
This week I want to introduce another one of my favorite Chicagoland Bloggers, Jacqui of Happy Jack Eats.
What brought you to Chicago?
I've always lived in the Chicago suburbs. I grew up in the Waukegan, and after college I moved to Lisle. Now, I work in the Loop as an editor, and even though the commute can be hell, nothing beats strolling through the farmers market on my way to the office and having lunch in Millennium Park. Winters, on the other hand, I could live without. But I suppose you're not a true Chicagoan until you've survived one or two or twenty-five of those.
What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I'm an Internet junkie. When I'm not eating or cooking or writing about eating and cooking, I'm reading other food blogs, browsing Flickr, or loitering around Twitter. I'm one of those people who surfs the Internet while watching TV (hooked on Lost and Dexter). Blogging has also sparked an interest in photography, and I'm currently accepting donations for a new digital SLR camera.
Continue reading this entry »
— Whitney Merritt
Event Wed Sep 09 2009
Even though Labor Day has come and gone, marking the (unofficial) end of summer, the stands at many of Chicago's farmers markets are looking more lush than they have all season. Squash and apples are starting to appear, and the peaches and berries are still abundant. The Andersonville Farmer's Market, which started just this year, has been so successful than it has extended its run through October 7th. Today's market will be held, as usual, from 4 to 8 pm. Starting next week, the market will run from 3 to 7 pm. Come on up to Clark & Berwyn to take advantage of the early fall harvest.
— Dana Currier
You may not get a free lunch, but on Thursday you can get free samples of lunch and breakfast food (and brownies) from Panera bread. In celebration of their new fall menu, all Chicago area Panera cafes are offering samples of the Power Breakfast sandwich; BBQ Chopped Chicken salad (with fire-roasted corn, tri-colored tortilla strips, all-natural chicken and a BBQ ranch dressing); Napa Almond Chicken sandwich (made with celery, almonds and grapes); and two new brownies, one blonde and one fudge. Tastings are available from 6 am to 9 pm at all Panera locations.
— Lori Barrett /
Random Wed Sep 09 2009
•Smokin', Chokin' and Chowin' with the King goes on a search for Caribbean food in the city and loves everything (except the travel time).
•A Paula Deen recipe for Pimiento Cheese gets a healthy makeover by Cakes and Ale.
•Have you made it over to Rick Bayless's newly opened Xoco? The Stew has.
•If only I had a grill...then I could grab some peaches and make this salad.
•Accept it. Summer is ending soon, and going with it is access to freshly grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. But holding on to your favorite berries doesn't mean you have to join the canning bandwagon; you can freeze your beloved produce to enjoy in the coming months. You can even turn it into jam!
•Just Get Floury shows us the proper way to celebrate Mom's birthday: Congo Bars.
•The Grazing Lamb reflects on her anniversary of going vegan and gluten-free, and celebrates with an all-day raw food bender. Naturally.
•An out-of-town visitor directs Chew on This to NYC's opinion of Chicago's best Italian restaurant. Confused?
•L20 geeks out over imported Japanese charcoal. What a bunch of geeks. Delicious food-making geeks, of course.
•NuJoi toys around with her new camera and a plateful of scones. IMHO, figuring out food photography is harder than getting into Princeton.
•If you have a baby (or love baby food), read up about the benefits of making your own chow for Junior, courtesy of the Skinny Gourmet.
•Lindsey's Kitchen pays homage to Top Chef with Tom Colicchio's braised short ribs. Hubba hubba.
— Robyn Nisi /
Review Tue Sep 08 2009
When I stuck my nose in the door of the yet unopened Paciugo a couple of weeks ago, the manager made me a wager I couldn't refuse. After telling him I had indeed tried the ice-cream alternative before, in Italy, he bet me a years' worth of free gelato that his product would be better than any I had tasted in the old country. Wednesday, the cafe opened, and I finally got to take him up on it.
The space itself is pleasant, bright, and open; however, seating is limited, so don't be surprised if you have to take your gelato to go. Taste widely and freely; the friendly and enthusiastic servers didn't seem to mind.
Traditional Italian flavors--Bacio (hazelnut), Stracciatella (Chocolate Chip), and Tiramisu--delight, but don't ignore the less obviously appetizing. Vanilla Lavender Chocolate Chip was a surprise favorite, and Pepe Nero proves that black pepper and olive oil (!) are more versatile ingredients than I could have ever imagined.
Paciugo prides itself on its all natural family recipes, small batches, and premium ingredients, and even offers pamphlets with nutrition information at the counter. And, with prices in line with most traditional ice cream shops ($5 for a large with FIVE flavors), the smoother, lighter and more airy gelato could easily become an addiction. For the genuine experience, do like the Italians do and make it a daily afternoon snack.
Paciugo
3241 N. Broadway
Monday-Thursday 12:30-10:30
Friday-Saturday 11:30-11:30
Sunday 11:30- 9:30
— Megan Moran /
As a food blogger myself, I have filled my google reader with blogs that I read and enjoy on a daily basis. Many of these bloggers live, write and eat right here in the Windy City. I decided that I wanted to introduce you to some of my favorites with a new weekly series: Food Blog Friday.
First up, Shannalee at Food Loves Writing
Photo by Rebecca Brogan
What brought you to Chicago?
The Chicago area is where I grew up and where my family is from, and, excluding four years of college, the only place I've ever lived. I'm a big believer that home is where you make it with people you love, but, at least for now, I'm glad that's here.
What do you do when you aren't blogging?
I love to explore new places, whether that means a weekend in Maine or a Saturday in Oak Park, and I've started really getting into antiquing---have you ever looked at vintage aprons or cake stands? It's like history you can use! Other stuff: Enjoying my first experience with a CSA, finding ways to stay outside and watching entire series of television shows online. Oh yeah, and I have a day job---as an editor/copy writer.
Continue reading this entry »
— Whitney Merritt /
Feature Fri Sep 04 2009
"We have a great culinary group here in Chicago. Great restaurants. Great chefs. And [Uncommon Ground] will be the future right here for many of those restaurants. The customer wants this."
—Mayor Richard J. Daley
No matter where you turn, it's gotten pretty hard to avoid the words "green," "sustainable" or even "farm to table." And since green (ecologically speaking) has become so green (financially speaking) it's only a matter of time before even McDonald's hawks a sustainable solution while eating out. The problem is that some of the greening of our dining tables is merely lip service.
Continue reading this entry »
— Cliff Etters /
Central Illinois Farm Beginnings helps new farmers plan and start their farm business while being economically and environmentally sustainable. The farmer-led program includes business planning seminars, on-farm training, and one-on-one mentorships. Applications for the 2009-10 season, which starts October 10, are due September 14. CIFB is organized by The Land Connection and the University of Illinois Extension.
— Chris Brunn
Wed Sep 02 2009
Start the Labor Day weekend on the right foot--or the right hand, I should say, as you slurp gourmet ice cream at the Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival, which will be held Friday at the Notebeart Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon) from 7-10pm. Ice cream from Black Dog Gelato, Bobtail, and Nice Cream will be among the purveyors represented, along with a range of ice cream-friendly businesses (the Spice House, Capriole Goat Cheese, Blue Marble Dairy, and Goose Island--I smell root beer floats!). Tickets are a paltry $25. Get them. Now.
— Robyn Nisi /
Event Tue Sep 01 2009
Trying to incorporate more local foods into your diet but you just can't give up avocados, bananas and lemons? Enjoy shopping at the farmer's markets but don't know what to make with that random vegetable you threw in your basket? Have you heard about "eating local" but don't really know what that means? Well, you are in luck. Green City Market's annual localvore challenge is fast approaching. This year's challenge will be from September 9th through the 23rd. Visit GCM's webpage here or go to the informational tent at the market on Wednesday or Saturday to learn more about the challenge and to sign up to participate. GCM has prepared a "localvore kit" to help you with the challenge. There is also a list of the many Chicago area restaurants which will be participating in the challenge.
Are you participating this year?
— Whitney Merritt /
Event Tue Sep 01 2009
Mangi's Fast Foods in North Center was one of the 44 Chicagoland restaurants participating in Kronos Foods' Free Gyros Day today. It happens to be the closest one to the Gapers Block office, so I printed out my coupon and headed down.
I was a little worried about whether I'd score free gyros after reading on Twitter about at least one Loop location running out before noon. Fortunately, Mangi's is remote enough that I needn't worry; I only waited about 20 minutes for my order. Still, at 12:30pm the line stretched out the door and to the alley, prompting more than one person to compare it to Hot Doug's -- probably the only time in Mangi's existence that's happened. I asked the cashier if they'd gotten many orders for anything other than gyros today. "Not much," she replied. "We've sold a lot of fries and drinks!"
The gyros were as good as ever, though not quite as crispy as I personally like. I figure that's a symptom of how quickly Mangi's was going through cones to gyro meat.
Did you manage to get a free gyros? What was the scene like where you went?
— Andrew Huff /
Recipe Tue Sep 01 2009
Some people go to sleep so they can wake up for that morning cuddle. Others bounce out of bed energized for work. Still more enjoy the morning time because of the first cup of coffee... and then the second. I go to sleep with a childish excitement for the morning's feast known as breakfast. Breakfast often loses in the fast-paced American capitalist society. I do not blame people for choosing that extra 15 minutes of sleep and 5 minutes of hot shower over making an omelet. I reserve in depth breakfast gorging almost exclusively for weekends. Thus, my solution to the demands of a quick paced morning coupled with my desire for a delicious healthy breakfast is homemade granola. It is especially enticing when you put the granola in a large counter top mason jar so it can greet you as you brew your coffee and rush to the shower.
I have been playing with granola for a few years now. I prefer to bake a large batch on a weekend and then have it for a couple of weeks. My recipes have varied... I highly encourage experimentation in the production of granola. Using different types of oil, sweetening with brown sugar vs. honey, adding flax seed, mixing in dried berries, dousing with a bit of vanilla or cinnamon, sprinkling in some coconut shreds. The possibilities are truly limitless. I will share the latest recipe I used as I found it to be particularly hearty and satisfying. This recipe produces a granola that is not too sweet and especially healthy given the large quantity of flax seed. My disclaimer is that I often cook by adding things until they seem "right," so measurements may need a little adjusting.
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— Jessica Gingold /
